Yuck! Just saw some of the other content on the site I linked to. There are lots of similar reports on less offensive pages if you do a google search. It's just a pain to link on the ipad

And there are lots of reports showing children benefit greatly from kindy.

OP your friend has 4 kids, has been through this all before and will know what's best for her child. She's not denying her life saving medication, or endangering her in any other way. You may not agree with her decisions but in my opinion that's what great friendships are all about.

I don't think there's anything wrong with you telling her the reasons why YOU and your children love kindy/prep and how beneficial you think it is for YOUR children and their socialisation. That's not coming out and saying "YOU SHOULD SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL" it's just giving a different perspectiv, which may in turn prompt her to think it over further.

In the end though it is her choice and she does know her children best. I totally get where you're coming from though.

In that particular situation- yes I would. Because I'm a teacher and there is SOOOOOO much stuff they do in Prep.

If you're that concerned about it then I would download all the Prep guides and stuff from Education Qld, and the foundation (prep) and Grade 1 levels expected in the National Curriculum (available at National Curriculum and pass them on to your friend.

I think Prep is essential. It's not 'preschool' any more, it's the first year of school.

But generally we accept each others differences. But year, for things like this we do give our opinion.

Thanks for all the replies! I probably should have said in the OP that I also come from a teaching background which is perhaps why she mentioned it to me.

I have no opinions on her not sending her child to Kindy, I just worry about her missing Prep because as OJandMe said it really is now considered the first year of school and can be so beneficial not just academically but also in terms of familiarisation with the school, school behaviour and the cohort that she will likely spend the next 7 years with as peers. My friend said she would just put her straight into Year 1 the following year and I worry that she's going to have a hard time getting used to following rules and making friends when the others have already been doing that for 1 or 2 years, and then it'll be even harder for my friend.

Anyway I think I will take the majority advice and say nothing unless she brings it up again. Thanks

Do you say anything if you disagree with friends parenting?

Originally Posted by Benji

Can I ask a quick Q (sorry, derailing). My DS was going stir crazy in kinder/child care at age 4. Causing trouble, getting bored, didn't want to go. He started primary one month after he turned 5 and has been a model student since. Loves going to school, never complains of boredom and hasn't been in trouble.

I always thought I'd want to hold a little one back, especially boys, but I'm not sure whether he went to a bad kinder or was genuinely ready for school.

How long do you recommend they stay behind? And I have to say in a lot of instances I agree with you, I look at some of the children at school and they're really just babies.

Ok, going to sound a bit contradictory here, but 1 month after starting is ok if the child is completely ready in every aspect. I think anything after April is too late and even before then as I said, the child should be ready emotionally, academically, socially, mentally etc.

Are her other three children well adusted, normal kids? From general observation, if the answer is yes, don't say anything. My personal opinion is that there is an overemphasis on early education, and your friend may well be on to something.

Re: Do you say anything if you disagree with friends parenting?

Originally Posted by CazHazKidz

I don't think there's anything wrong with you telling her the reasons why YOU and your children love kindy/prep and how beneficial you think it is for YOUR children and their socialisation. That's not coming out and saying "YOU SHOULD SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL" it's just giving a different perspectiv, which may in turn prompt her to think it over further.

In the end though it is her choice and she does know her children best. I totally get where you're coming from though.

Exactly what I meant and said. Just better. I wouldn't go on and on about it either. Will only cause tension.

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